Go Back

Pumpkin-Shaped Rice Krispie Treats

This recipe involves melting marshmallows with butter to create a sticky base, then folding in Rice Krispie cereal until well coated. The mixture is shaped into small pumpkins, colored with orange food coloring, and decorated with leaf toppers for a festive appearance. The final treats are crunchy, chewy, and visually resemble tiny pumpkins, perfect for Halloween celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Marshmallows mini or regular size
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 2 drops orange food coloring adjust for desired shade
  • optional Edible leaf toppers or small cookies shaped like leaves for decoration

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
  • Candy thermometer (optional)
  • Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter or molds
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Food coloring (orange)
  • Small leaf-shaped cookies or edible leaf toppers

Method
 

  1. Grease a baking sheet and set aside. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring intermittently until fully melted and starting to bubble slightly.
  2. Add the marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth. The mixture should be fragrant and slightly bubbly.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the orange food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored to your liking.
  4. Gradually fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, gently pressing down and stirring to ensure all the cereal is coated with the marshmallow mixture. Continue until fully combined and the mixture feels sticky but manageable.
  5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly so it’s easier to handle. Using buttered hands or a scoop, portion the mixture and shape it into small pumpkin-like balls or use a pumpkin-shaped mold for more uniform shapes.
  6. Place the shaped treats on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. If using molds, gently press the mixture into the molds and then carefully remove the shapes.
  7. Decorate each pumpkin by adding a small edible leaf topper or a small cookie shaped like a leaf at the top. This adds a festive finishing touch.
  8. Let the treats set at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes until firm. They should be slightly tacky but hold their shape well.
  9. Once set, serve these charming pumpkin treats on a platter for Halloween parties or festive gatherings.

Notes

To make the shapes more precise, use a pumpkin-shaped mold. Adjust food coloring to achieve a bright orange hue. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.